Fellow comics, friends mourn Farley

December 18, 1997
Web posted at: 8:27 p.m. EST (0127 GMT)

(CNN) -- Actor-comedian Chris Farley was described Thursday as "a sweet, big-hearted man" who devoted his life to making others laugh even while struggling with a weight problem that in many ways defined his work.

Farley, a Second City and "Saturday Night Live" alum who went on to star in a variety of comedic films, was found dead Thursday in an apartment in the John Hancock skyscraper in Chicago.

Thursday evening, reaction poured in from co-workers and friends to Farley's death at age 33.

Comic and writer Al Franken said Farley "was a sweet, big-hearted man. ... He was the most self-effacing comedian I had ever seen." Franken said it was Farley's vulnerability that made him funny, and that his death was "not a shock."

"Chris had some problems. Eating was one of them," Franken said. "This was obviously something he couldn't conquer. This is very sad."

Former "SNL" comic Chris Rock said, "He was one of my best friends and one of the funniest guys I've ever known. I love him and I'm going to miss him."

Added Adam Sandler, a colleague on "SNL," "Chris was a great
friend and the funniest man I ever met. We who knew him are going
to miss him every day. My thoughts go out to his family, whom he
loved and respected more than anything in his life."

From "SNL" co-star Phil Hartman: "I always have and I always will love Chris Farley and I'll forever cherish ... that I knew and worked with one of the great comedic talents of all time."

Actor John Goodman, a frequent "SNL" guest host and longtime friend of Farley's, said he grieved for Farley's family. "I will miss him very much," Goodman said.

From Rob Lowe, who co-starred with Farley in the movie "Tommy Boy" in 1995: "I loved Chris. He was a unique, hilarious guy, with a heart the size of the Midwest. I'll miss him, but I'll never forget him. My prayers are with his family."

"Chris was a puppy," said Lenette Collias, who worked
backstage at Second City and knew Farley for several years.
"He made everyone laugh."

The Second City improvisational troupe, where Farley perfected his hyperactive, vein-popping frenzies, mourned the death of one of its most distinguished alums.

"Chris was many things: talented, funny, gentle and kind," Second City executive producer Andrew Alexander said in a statement. "Every day of his life was devoted to entertaining others. We will never forget the joy he brought to our lives. Our thoughts and prayers are with Chris's family on this sad day," Alexander said.

NBC released the following statement: "Everyone at NBC and "Saturday Night Live" mourns the passing of Chris Farley. We find it hard to express how tragic it is to lose such a valued friend and colleague at such a young age.

"We will miss his special gifts, including a unique ability to make
people laugh. More importantly, we will always remember his
warm-hearted nature and deep commitment to his friends and the
people with whom he worked."